Sunday, October 6, 2024

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Thirty Nine - SOUTHAM

The Bus Pass Bandit reports for duty yet once more, this time with a brief to seize more prized Warwickshire plunder in the vicinity of Southam. What beer-related bounties lie in wait?

Here we go with Bus Pass Travels #39 whereby today the Bandit sets off aboard his trusty 665 Stagecoach steed from Leamington to Southam.

The Holy Well at Southam is said to be over a thousand years old and was noted historically for the cleanliness of its natural spring water.

The first pub of the day is the Fox & Hen at Bascote.

Enjoying a pint of Timothy Taylor's Landlord watched by three cows - they look a bit grumpy so let's hope they approve of Yorkshire-brewed ale!

Back in Southam and a visit to the Olde Mint. This Early 16th century building has links with the English Civil War and was once used as a Royal Mint.

Perhaps King Charles I drank in here before the Battle of Edgehill in 1642? The first official skirmish of the Civil War was at Southam. Today the beer is Shagweaver from the North Cotswold Brewery.

Onwards to the Bowling Green.

And some Wye Valley HPA.

St James Church in Southam is constructed out of Lias limestone and red sandstone.

The final stop is at the Black Dog, next door to the dry cleaners.

Hobgoblin Gold from the Wychwood Brewery brings the curtain down nicely.